WPCC approves $1,000 grant for Cavell Park youth soccer program

The Waite Park Community Council at its Aug. 31 board meeting approved a $1,000 grant from its Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) funds for a youth soccer program based at Cavell Park.

In the fall of 2021, a group of parents from the Waite Park neighborhood decided to organize soccer sessions for their kids. Interest grew, kids and parents showed up from all over Northeast Minneapolis.

The program was recently rebranded NEFC (Northeast Football Club). The goal is to build community, meet new friends, and play soccer (football). It’s for families who want to build community around soccer without the cost or time commitment associated with other programs.

The sessions begin at 5:45 p.m. every Thursday night at Cavell Park. Coach Dan Schuchman starts with skill building games for kids, then everyone scrimmages, including the parents (if they want to). Scrimmages are known to go for an hour or more! It’s very casual, come and go as you please.

There are also occasional special events: an outdoor screening of a USWNT World Cup game, a trip to a University of Minnesota soccer game, and an annual skills clinic with the Edison Girls Soccer team that takes place on the Edison High School field. It’s a big hit with the kids!

NEFC will use the community council’s grant to purchase equipment (nets, soccer balls, cones) and create branded merchandise (water bottle stickers, etc.) to help spread the word and grow the program.

Come to Cavell Park on Thursday nights! 5:45, all ages and stages. Connect on Instagram @ne.fc or just stop by.

Skeletons in your closet? Bring them to our Halloween costume swap on Saturday, Oct. 7

Is your attic or storage space haunted by clutter? Get rid of that box of old Halloween costumes by bringing it to our first ever Waite Park Halloween Costume Swap.

Bring your clean, gently used Halloween costumes, props and clothing to Waite Park on Saturday, October 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. We will have tables to display your items for others to browse and take home.

Selling of items is not allowed — this event is for sharing only. By reusing items, we can collectively reduce waste and consumption.

Please do not bring items that could be dangerous (e.g. metal pirate swords that are sharp, cap guns that actually shoot, etc.) or harmful, otherwise we welcome costumes of all shapes, sizes, and styles. 

The event will take place outdoors, but in case of rain will be moved to the gymnasium in the Waite Park Recreation Center, 1810 34th Avenue Northeast.

All are welcome to attend and enjoy a bonfire and s'mores and connection with your neighbors, even if you don't plan to participate in the costume swap!

🙋 Volunteers needed: Help us put on another successful Fall Festival

The Waite Park Community Council is in need of YOUR help at the annual Fall Festival happening on September 9th from 3:00-7:00p.

We need about two dozen volunteers to help set up, grill and serve food, run kids games, assist vendors, and clean up the park after the event. Please use this form provide your interest, time slots, and preferences. The council will allocate resources based on responses and share with volunteers prior to the event.

Volunteers will also receive additional instructions before and at the event when they arrive. Reach out to festival@waiteparkcc.org with questions. 

The festival's success is in large part due to our incredible volunteers that live or work in our community. Remember - friends outside of Waite Park are welcome too. We thank you for participating!